Pasadena native and John Muir High School alumni, Madison, Wisconsin firefighter and paramedic Richard Garner, 29, collapsed suddenly after his shift ended on Sunday, April 1.

Garner joined the Madison Fire Department in September 2012 and served as firefighter/EMT at Fire Station 5 before moving to Fire Station 10 where he eventually became a paramedic in 2017.

Members of the Madison Fire Department and Firefighters Local 311 are mourning the loss of one of their own.

“Garner is recognized by his peers for his passion for the fire service, working with youth, giving back to the community on duty and off duty, and encouraging others to consider a career in firefighting,” said department spokeswoman Cynthia Schuster.

She said Garner would be remembered for his “big personality, a great passion for his fire service, as well as for working with youth, giving back to the community on-and off-duty.”

Garner’s memorial service is tentatively planned for Friday, April 6 in Madison. Funeral services for the fallen firefighter will be held at a later date in Pasadena.